Flank.—The right or left side of a body of men, or place. When it is said that the enemy by a flank march outflanked our right wing, it is understood that he put himself on our right hand. When two armies stand face to face the right flank of one is opposite the left flank of the other.
File.—Two soldiers,—a front rank and a rear rank man.
Fuse.—A slow-burning composition in shells, set on fire by the flash of the cannon. The length of the fuse is proportioned to the intended range of the shells.
Grape.—A large number of small balls tied up in a bag.
Howitzer.—A cannon of large calibre and short range, commonly used for throwing shells, grape, and canister.
Limber.—The fore part of a field gun-carriage, to which the horses are attached. It has two wheels, and carries ammunition the same as the caisson.
Pontoon.—A bridge of boats for crossing streams, which may be carried in wagons.
Parabola.—The curve described by a shell in the air.
Range.—The distance to which shot, shells, or bullets may be fired.
Reveille.—The first drum-beat in the morning.